Summer is the most anticipated season for drama enthusiasts, and 2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for historical (guzhuang) TV series. With a mix of sequels, book adaptations, and genre-bending plots, this summer’s lineup promises to keep viewers glued to their screens. Let’s dive into four highly-anticipated titles that are set to dominate the season - each with its own unique flavor, from epic romances to thrilling mysteries.
Splendid Bloom (锦绣芳华)
For fans of Flourished Peony (国色芳华), the 2024 hit that left audiences craving more, 2025 brings Splendid Bloom , a much-awaited follow-up featuring the beloved duo Yang Zi (杨紫) and Li Xian (李现). In the previous series, their characters - He Weifang (何惟芳), a shrewd flower merchant, and Jiang Changyang (蒋长扬), a witty noble - teased a slow-burn romance that ended just as it began. This time, the stakes are higher: He Weifang evolves from a clever businesswoman to a visionary entrepreneur, founding "Wuyong Hall" and navigating the cutthroat world of trade and politics. Jiang Changyang steps up as her steadfast partner, joining her in both romantic pursuits and high-stakes power plays.
What makes Splendid Bloom stand out? It’s not just the star power of Yang Zi and Li Xian (whose on-screen chemistry has been a fan favorite) but also its focus on a self-made female protagonist in a male-dominated era. The show promises to blend tender moments with grand political scheming, offering a fresh take on the "strong female lead" trope. For viewers who love seeing couples grow together through adversity, this one is a must-watch.
A Scroll of Dreams(书卷一梦) and River & Pillow (山河枕)
If you’re tired of predictable love stories, two titles this summer are shaking things up with bold premises: A Scroll of Dreams and River & Pillow.
A Scroll of Dreams stars Li Yitong (李一桐) and Liu Yuning (刘宇宁) in a twisty tale about a struggling actress, Song Xiaoyu (宋小鱼), who accidentally "drops" into a novel world, becoming the ill-fated heroine Song Yimeng (宋一梦). Trapped in a loop where she’s doomed to die at the hands of the villainous male lead, Nan Heng (南珩), Song Xiaoyu tries to outsmart the plot—only to find herself drawn into its chaos. As she and Nan Heng clash (and slowly bond), the series explores themes of free will vs. destiny, with a dash of dark humor. Think Love Game in Eastern Fantasy (永夜星河) (last year’s hit infinite loop drama) but with sharper character dynamics.
Then there’s River & Pillow, adapted from Mo Shubai’s best-selling novel, starring Song Qian (宋茜) and Ding Yuxi (丁禹兮). The story follows Chu Yu (楚瑜), the daughter of a general, who is betrayed by her former lover and saved by Wei Yun (卫韫), a loyal warrior. After Wei Yun’s family is decimated in battle, Chu Yu stays as his "elder sister-in-law" to uncover the truth behind their downfall. Together, they fight external threats, unravel a decades-old massacre, and - of course - develop a slow-burn romance. Ding Yuxi, known for his "Jiang-style" acting (emotional, nuanced, and beloved by romance novel fans), adds another layer of anticipation.
Both series redefine historical drama tropes: Scroll with its meta-fictional, looped plot, and River with its focus on revenge and political intrigue. They’re perfect for viewers craving complexity beyond the usual "meet-cute" romance.
Snow of the Dynasty (朝雪录)
Rounding out the summer lineup is Snow of the Dynasty, a historical mystery starring Li Landi (李兰迪) and Ao Ruipeng (敖瑞鹏). Based on Bu Yue Qianzhuang’s (月浅妆) novel The Powerful and Favored Coroner Imperial Concubine (权宠之仵作医妃), the story follows Shen Wan (沈莞), a young woman whose family is wiped out in the Prince Jin conspiracy. Forced to assume the identity of Qin Wan (秦莞), the ninth daughter of the Qin family, she flees to Jingzhou (荆州) and becomes a forensic expert (female wuzu). Using her skills in medicine and autopsy, she dives into local unsolved cases, crossing paths with Prince Rui’s heir, Yan Chi. Together, they unravel secrets, clear her father’s name, and discover deeper conspiracies.
What’s unique about Snow of the Dynasty? Its blend of history, mystery, and forensic science - a niche that’s rarely explored in guzhuang dramas. The show’s trailer hints at atmospheric settings, intricate costumes, and tight plotting, thanks in part to its screenwriter, who previously worked on Love Like the Galaxy (星汉灿烂). Li Landi, known for her versatile roles, brings depth to Shen Wan’s dual identity, while Ao Ruipeng balances Yan Chi’s regal charm with a sharp mind for investigation.
Summer 2025 - A Year for Every Taste
From sequels that answer fan prayers to genre-defying stories and mystery-driven plots, this summer’s historical dramas cater to every type of viewer. Whether you’re here for the romance (Splendid Bloom), the mind-bending twists (A Scroll of Dreams), or the intricate investigations (Snow of the Dynasty), 2025’s lineup is a testament to the creativity thriving in China’s TV industry.
